Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs

If you're in the Solopreneur Phase of business - your business is no longer a baby, you're making revenue you depend on (up to $50,000) and you're still the one doing all the things - this episode is for you. Learn some expensive mistakes you could be making in your business, whether you're a done-for-you service provider, a coach, or a course creator. And even if you may still be in Launch Phase, or in a later phase, you'll want to tune in to make sure you've taken care of your legal basics, or get an idea of potential problems that lie ahead. In this episode, we'll cover: Why the Solopreneur Phase is a really great time to take care of legal (even if it seems too early) How your website might not be covered legally if you're missing specific documents required by law Why it's so critical to protect your primary revenue stream at this stage How to avoid common client problems, like: Non-payment Scope creep Refund requests Ghosting in the middle of a project Disputes about who owns the work product Firing a nightmare client Copycats Flaking on payment plans, or Causing drama in your community or group BONUS: Solopreneur Phase Entrepreneur Checklist -- head to www.awbfirm.com/podcast121 to learn about what can go wrong legally as you enter the solopreneur phase of your business, and simple actions you can take now to avoid costly problems later, in our Solopreneur Phase Entrepreneur Checklist. We'll be releasing a brand-new legal checklist for each phase of your business building journey, free with every episode this month! Resources: Legal Road Map® Episode 81: www.awbfirm.com/podcast81 Contract templates: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation. Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! We start every VIP Day with a Legal Road Map® session, but you can schedule this session separate from a VIP Day too. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session

If you're starting or growing your business in 2020, my guess is you don't know half of the things that can go wrong legally in your business. All season, we're talking about dreaming + scheming, and the expensive legal pitfalls you'll want to avoid in each stage of starting, building, and scaling your online business. If you're in Launch Phase of business - maybe you still have a day job while you get started, or you're full-time but still getting your business off the ground - this episode is for you. (Even if you're further along in business, you might find that you still need to button up some of the legal issues I discuss in this episode!) In this episode, we'll cover: Why launch phase is the perfect time to create a strong foundation for your online business If you need to form a corporate entity when you're in launch phase Why it's important to check that no one's using the name you want for your business before you get started Why you probably don't need to worry about registering your trademark in launch phase If you need to have a contract for any collaborations when you're just getting started Why it's essential to make sure you keep your business and personal expenses separate Why using other people's intellectual property (i.e., images, music, etc.) is one thing you absolutely want to avoid when you're just getting started What is perhaps the most important thing to remember in launch phase Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast120 for show notes. BONUS: Launch Phase Entrepreneur Checklist -- head to www.awbfirm.com/podcast120 to learn about what can go wrong legally as you launch your business, and simple actions you can take now to avoid costly problems later, in our Launch Phase Entrepreneur Checklist. We'll be releasing a brand-new legal checklist for each phase of your business building journey, free with every episode this month! Resources: Legal Road Map® episode: LLC vs. corporation for your online business www.awbfirm.com/podcast108 Legal Road Map® episode: Making partnerships and collaborations successful www.awbfirm.com/podcast35 This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation. If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright.

Learn what trends we're seeing with our 7+ figure online business owner clients for 2020. In this episode we'll cover: The benefits of a membership or subscription model, that go beyond recurring revenue What's coming up with live events - and how you can use photos or video of your in-person event to promote the next one Why you might want to niche even further when it comes to your online course Why you might want to offer done-for-you services alongside your online course Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast119 for show notes. Resources: Legal Road Map® podcast: interviews with Corinne Crabtree - www.awbfirm.com/podcast34, www.awbfirm.com/podcast88 Legal Road Map® podcast: interview with Kara Loewentheil - www.awbfirm.com/podcast92 Legal Road Map® podcast: interview with Tara McMullin - www.awbfirm.com/podcast79 Legal Road Map® podcast: Affiliate episodes - www.awbfirm.com/podcast95, www.awbfirm.com/podcast97 BONUS: What's your contract missing? Get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Does the idea of working with a lawyer make your palms sweat? If you've never worked with a lawyer, it just might! Learn what it's really like to hire our firm to help with your legal needs, from start to finish. You'll hear about the entire process, and why working a lawyer doesn't have to be scary. In this episode we'll cover: Why we ask potential clients to fill out a questionnaire before we provide a quote for a particular project Why it's best to work with a lawyer who specializes in the area of law you need help with The steps we take before we can start on a client project to ensure success Why, even when you've got a lawyer on your side, you're still responsible for making the final decision Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast118 for show notes. BONUS: What's your contract missing? Get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! We start every VIP Day with a Legal Road Map® session, but you can schedule this session separate from a VIP Day too. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Boss lawyer-turned-strategist Heather Hubbard shares her experience making the leap into entrepreneurship, why contracts are critical, and her recent Legal VIP Day experience with the AWB Firm. In this episode we'll cover: The importance of knowing you are bigger 'why' Why you need to use contracts with your collaborators - every time! Why it's also critical to still have an actual conversation about what's in your contract with your customers How documentation is essential when faced with a credit card chargeback or dispute When it's time to hire out different types of tasks in your business Heather's experience with the AWB Firm's new Legal VIP Day Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast117 for show notes. BONUS: What's your contract missing? Get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Heather's website: https://www.heatherjoyhubbard.com/blueprint/ Hustle & Flow podcast: https://www.heatherjoyhubbard.com/podcast/ Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! Visit www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Our firm works with successful 7 & 8 figure online business owners every day, and we've started to notice a few important qualities that they share. We're sharing the four things they consistently do to create and sustain success (and how you can implement these into your business NOW). In this episode we'll cover: Why continuing to "bootstrap it" into seven-figures is a recipe for burnout The first two positions CEOs / founders typically fill on their teams How handing over marketing to another team member can be a big stumbling block for seven-figure founders Why CEOs spend time with people who are further along in business than they are, not just their peers Why making 1, 5, or 10 year goals and being proactive is essential to get you to the business of your dreams What CEO/founders know about spending money to get in front of people (leads aren't free!) Key takeaway: Keeping an eye on those who are further along in business is one of THE best ways to ensure you reach their level. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast116 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Get Paid podcast with Clare Pelletreau: https://clairepells.com/category/podcast/ Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/ Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Physician-turned-life-coach Katrina Ubell shares her experience growing her weight loss coaching business and the importance of using contracts. In this episode we'll cover: Why having your team members sign a contract doesn't mean there's a lack of trust Signs that it's time to add professional advisors to your team The business-growing benefits to hiring employees vs. independent contractors Why having a solid client services contract can be the best first legal investment to make in your business (and what could go wrong if you skip it!) Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast115 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Weight Loss for Busy Physicians: www.katrinaubellmd.com Weight Loss for Busy Physicians Podcast: https://katrinaubellmd.com/podcast/ If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

We kept hearing from our clients that they didn't have time to get legal projects done. So we created a solution tailor made for online business owners with the least amount of time, who still want to protect their business. In this episode we'll cover: What the AWB Firm's Legal VIP Day looks like: a 360-degree overview of the entire experience How you can get more legal projects done in less time The value of having white space on your calendar - for legal AND non-legal projects How blocking off an entire day to focus on legal for your online business can actually be FUN! Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast114 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Legal VIP Day: www.awbfirm.com/VIP-day Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! We start every VIP Day with a Legal Road Map® session, but you can schedule this session separate from a VIP Day too. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn tips, tricks, and course creator best practices from Teachable's Cameron Mattis. In this episode we'll cover: The importance of having a specific audience and niche with for your online course How using the language that your audience uses is gold when it comes to connecting with them The 'before and after' exercise Cameron recommends when putting together your online course How setting clear expectations for your online course can help you and your students avoid frustration down the road How "perfect is the enemy of done" is one of the best pieces of advice for course creators The pros and cons of a membership model vs. a course Why providing continued value doesn't necessarily have to mean creating new content each month Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast113 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR LISTENERS! Enter the code AWBPODCAST to upgrade your account for one free month of our Pro plan (normally $99). Everything Is Teachable podcast: https://teachable.com/podcast/everything-is-teachable Atomic Habits, James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits James Clear's The Habits Academy (hosted on Teachable): https://habitsacademy.com/ Teachable's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachable Teachable's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/teachable Teachable's website: www.teachable.com Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! Visit www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn how you can protect your online course with trademark and copyrights and what recourse is available to you if you discover someone is copying all or part of your course. In this episode we'll cover: The roles that trademark and/or copyright protections can play in helping you avoid copycats The frustrating limitations of copyrights What 'trade dress' is and how it might apply to your website or online course How strong terms of use on your website is your first line of defense The importance of registering your copyrights if you want to be able to defend them Why (immediate!) screenshots are your best friend if you see your content being copied Key takeaway: Imitation in the online course world doesn't always feel like flattery. If you put the right protections in place early on, you have a strong leg to stand on when it comes to dealing with copycats. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast112 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Legal Road Map® podcast, Episode 110 (How to use other people's content in your course): www.awbfirm.com/podcast110 Legal Road Map® podcast, Episode 99 (Copyrights for course creators): www.awbfirm.com/podcast99 Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Celebrity copywriter Laura Belgray dishes on what it's like to co-produce an online course with Marie Forleo, how she reluctantly shifted from high-end service provider to course creator, and more. In this episode we'll cover: The simple addition to your contracts that can help you step up your portfolio and testimonial game The power in finding the favorite part of your business Why every partnership needs a clear "divorce" clause in the contract How solid contracts and documentation can help you win a chargeback Why Laura recommends doing things before you feel ready Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast111 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Laura's website (it's brand new and so good): https://talkingshrimp.com/ Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingshrimpnyc/ If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn the best ways to avoid landing in hot water (copyright or trademark infringement) when you use other people's content in your online course. In this episode we'll cover: The 3 best ways to be able to use other people's content legally What the "public domain" is and how to navigate it The risky business of using images you find on Google (spoiler: just don't do it!) The tricky side of using images from and on social media platforms What "fair use" is Key takeaway: Best practice is always to create your own content, but with a little legal legwork and know-how, it can be possible to use other people's content in your online course or business, the right way. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast110 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Cornell University public domain chart: https://copyright.cornell.edu/publicdomain Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our Legal Road Map® session. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Have you ever wondered whether you need a patent for your business? Do you have an idea, invention, method or system you'd like to protect? Learn the ins and outs of patent law from my friend, patent attorney John DeBoer. In this episode we'll cover: The basics about patents + what's protectable Why filing your patent application FIRST is critical (spoiler: it doesn't matter if something was your idea first if someone else files first!) Some important reasons you should keep your idea to yourself until you're ready to file your patent application Why you might want to use an NDA when discussing your idea + what to include in your NDA to make sure it actually protects you How much does a patent application costs Lifetime costs associated with maintaining your patent Hurdles you may have to overcome if you want to patent your process or system Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast109 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: John's website: www.rdoipi.com John's contact info: [email protected], 281-372-6114 Video/slides for this episode: https://www.rdoip.com/blog/2019/9/3/john-deboer-speaks-with-autumn-witt-boyd-about-patent-pitfalls NDA contract template in AWB Firm Contract Template Store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! Visit www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

How do you know when it's time to form an LLC or corporation? Learn why it's a good idea for course creators to form a corporate entity, and which entities work best for different types of businesses. In this episode we'll cover: Why it's critical to speak to both a lawyer AND a CPA when you're making the decision about the best legal entity for your business What "liability protection" actually means, and how forming an entity helps you get it How to safeguard your personal home, car, bank accounts, and other assets from things that might go wrong in your business Higher risk course topics that may affect which entity you choose Why adding a physical location or hiring employees may mean it's time to form an entity Tax and insurance issues to consider when choosing which entity to form Different types of entities and when it's a good idea to consider each one A few steps you'll need to take to open your business bank account (and what order to do them in!) What the "corporate veil" is and why you do NOT want a court to "pierce" it! Key takeaway: Protecting your personal assets is the name of the game when it comes to forming a corporate entity, but consulting with a trusted advisor (or two!) can help you make the right choice for your business. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast108 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Corporate entity cheatsheet: www.awbfirm.com/podcast108 GDPR podcast episodes: www.awbfirm.com/podcast38, www.awbfirm.com/podcast39, www.awbfirm.com/podcast40 Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn how Tyler J. McCall built his business teaching business owners how to use Instagram by incorporating an online course with his membership community. In this episode we'll cover: How the questions all your clients are asking over and over again maybe the key to creating content in your online course Why including an online course with your membership community can be a best practice The surprising ways your membership community changes when you scale The important reasons to do a trademark search BEFORE you fall in love with your product, service, or business name Why being serious about growing your business means acknowledging you can't do everything yourself Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast107 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Tyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerjmccall/ Tyler's website: https://www.tylerjmccall.com Follower to Fan Society: https://www.followertofansociety.com/closed DIY your own trademark search: https://awbfirm.com/podcast6/ If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn when you absolutely SHOULD register a trademark for your online course name and when you can likely wait. In this episode we'll cover: How to decide if now is the time to register your trademark How trademark law is really designed to protect consumers (as well as your business) The downsides of relying on common law trademark rights What enforcing your trademark rights really looks like in your business How a registered trademark can increase your business's value when it comes to sell your business or license your course, method, or process When you may NOT want or need to register your trademark Key takeaway: A registered trademark is the best way to shut down a copycat, but there are some important questions to ask yourself to make sure it's the right time for your business. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast106 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Episode 99 of the Legal Road Map® podcast - Copyrights: www.awbfirm.com/podcast99 Episode 104 of the Legal Road Map® podcast - Choosing a Good Course Name: www.awbfirm.com/podcast104 If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn how Boss Mom Dana Malstaff created one of the most popular communities on Facebook, and how she's using courses in her business. In this episode we'll cover: The challenges of cultivating a successful online community and the importance of setting firm boundaries from the start The surprising cost (financial and emotional) of enforcing your registered trademark Some of the criteria to consider when creating your policy for admitting new people into your online community Tweaks to your your onboarding and documentation process that can go a long way to protect your business A good question to ask yourself if you're considering starting a membership program Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast105 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: The Vault: https://boss-mom.com/vault-membership/ Boss-Mom® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BossMomGroup/ Dana's first interview on the podcast: www.awbfirm.com/podcast24 Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! Visit www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn what makes a strong trademark, how-to DIY your trademark search, and what to steer clear of when choosing a name for your digital course. In this episode we'll cover: The different types of trademarks and the pros and cons of each What a suggestive trademark is and why it may be the best route to go when choosing your course name What a descriptive trademark is and why it's the most difficult to register What's required to register your own name as a trademark Ways you can DIY your trademark search Key takeaway: A legal checkup before you run FB ads can mean the difference between a super successful campaign and throwing money down the drain. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast104 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: FREE Naming Guide: www.awbfirm.com/podcast104 Episode 45 of the Legal Road Map® podcast - How to DIY Your ™ Search: www.awbfirm.com/podcast45 USPTO search: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database Namechekr: https://www.namecheckr.com/ Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn the important role courses have played in Rick Mulready building his online business. In this episode we'll cover: The importance of validating the concept of your course before investing your time and money to create it Why you need to be sure your user experience is ready to go before running Facebook ads How documenting your processes and procedures early on can help you grow your team and business Why you should review Facebook's ad policies monthly if you're running ads The importance of using contracts with an ads expert or manager Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast103 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Rick Mulready: https://rickmulready.com Rick's Accelerator Mastermind: https://rickmulready.com/accelerator The Art of Paid Traffic podcast: https://rickmulready.com/category/aoptpodcast/ Rick's Instagram: @rickmulready Loom: www.loom.com Working with professionals in your business podcast episodes: Legal Road Map® episodes 41-44, www.awbfirm.com/podcast If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it might be time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn how the legal health of your business can affect how you run Facebook or Instagram ads, or even if they're approved. In this episode we'll cover: Why you'll want to check out Facebook's ad policies before you start working on your ad images or copy What FB checks out when you submit an ad for approval How your site's privacy policy (or lack thereof) can affect your ad approval What you need to know about intellectual property when it comes to FB ads Things you may be required to disclose in connection with your FB ads Key takeaway: A legal checkup before you run FB ads can mean the difference between a super successful campaign and lighting hundred dollar bills on fire. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast102 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Contract template store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our Legal Road Map® session. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Stacy Tuschl shares about being in year four with She's Building Her Empire, growing her brick-and-mortar business, and shifting into online business. In this episode we'll cover: How Stacy uses inexpensive digital products to grow her reach The importance of a clear result students can expect from taking your course Why it's important to consult an expert when it comes to your trademark How providing great customer service can help when it comes to disputes like chargebacks Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast101 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Stacy's first interview on the podcast: www.awbfirm.com/podcast20 She's Building Her Empire: www.shesbuildingherempire.com Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! Visit www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

(S4E100) 100th episode! A behind-the-curtain peek inside the AWB Firm We're celebrating our 100th episode! Emily Thompson of the Being Boss podcast and Almanac Supply Co. interviews Autumn about: What it's been like to build the AWB Firm for the past four years Growing a team Legal lessons learned (yes, even lawyers need legal!) Work-life balance as an owner of a successful law firm + a mom to 3 young kids Designing a life you don't need a vacation from Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast100 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn what copyrights can protect when you should register them, and the benefits EARLY copyright registration provides. In this episode we'll cover: The types of content that can be protected by copyrights Why facts and ideas aren't protectable by copyrights (and what you actually can protect instead) Why the automatic protection provided by U.S. copyright law isn't as great as it sounds The extra benefits of registering your copyrights, and registering them early Who owns the copyrights when you create a work as an employee or an independent contractor Who can use the © symbol, and how you should be using it the right way What type of business should hire a copyright attorney to register their copyright, and who can probably DIY the process Who can use © and how you should be using it Key takeaway: Copyright protections are automatic under US law, but you can't enforce them without taking the time to file a registration. Best practice for your online course is to register them early! Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast99 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov Legal Road Map® podcast, episode 8 on fair use: www.awbfirm.com/podcast8 Contract template store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle: https://onlinecourselegal.com/yes/ Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/ Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our Legal Road Map® session. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business and provide you with a report of recommended steps personalized for your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, visit https://awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Lawyer turned Thinkific CEO Greg Smith talks about lessons learned when developing his own online course and shares some of his best tips for course creators who are just getting started. In this episode we'll cover: Greg's best tips to make your online course successful The value in proving your concept before pouring countless hours and dollars into what you think your final product needs to be What a "takedown notice" is and how it can give you some peace of mind if you worry about having your course content copied or stolen The top terms Thinkific recommends you make sure are a part of your course terms of use Why you should consider including progress tracking, quizzes, and assignments in your online course Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast98 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write solid contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include. www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Thinkific: www.thinkific.com FREE Student Engagement Course: get.thinkific.com/awb If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it might be time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright/. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn about the important terms your affiliate program agreement needs to include. This is part two of a two-part series on affiliate programs. In this episode we'll cover: Why you may want to think twice before referring to your affiliate collab as a "joint venture" or "partnership" How contracts can help your affiliate program be more profitable Why it's so important to spell out exactly what your affiliates are required to do to promote your product or services Things to consider when defining how and when you'll pay your affiliates' commission Why you might want to limit the term, or length of time, your affiliates are in your program Why the general terms at the bottom of your contract can sometimes be the most important Key takeaway: Clear terms in your affiliate agreement provide a strong foundation for your affiliate program to grow on. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast97 for show notes. BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms Resources: Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/ Want to make sure your business is protected but working one-on-one with a lawyer just isn't in the budget? Our customizable contract templates are a great, affordable way to get protection for yourself and your business without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of contract templates for online businesses and protect your business today! www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Scalability expert Haley Burkhead shares how she's grown her online business to a half-million dollar brand in just 12 months, plus some tough legal lessons learned (yes, hackers are a real thing!) In this episode we'll cover: Automation in your business and how it can help you prevent burnout The vital importance of communicating with and listening to your audience Why handling PR nightmares with grace will serve you better than the alternative Why you don't necessarily need to grow your audience before you launch a course or affiliate program The importance of being selective when approving affiliates to promote your products or services Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast96 for show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Worried about the legal blindspots that may be lurking in your business? The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our Legal Road Map® session. One of our experienced attorneys will take a one-hour deep-dive into your business. And you'll be confident you're not missing anything essential now, and you'll learn what you might need to do later. For more info or to book your Legal Road Map® session, click here! Resources: Haley's FREE training: profitplanner.co/grow This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn how affiliate programs can increase the reach (and bottom line!) of your online course without having to hire an entire sales team. In this episode we'll cover: Important things to consider when you're thinking about who you want to be your affiliates Some of the potential downsides to having a large number of affiliates Why it's important to outline what your affiliates are required to do, and what type of training, perks or collateral will you provide them with Why you want to make sure your process is running like a well-oiled machine before you start your affiliate program Key takeaway: With a little bit of forward planning, affiliate programs can help your online course sales skyrocket. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast95 for show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Marie Forleo affiliate page: https://marieforleobschool.com/bschool-affiliate-partner-info/ ConvertKit affiliate page: https://convertkit.com/affiliate/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Professor turned CEO Dr. Lindsay Padilla helps teachers become entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs become teachers with her signature method that focuses on helping students to actually finish online courses. In this episode you'll learn: The two things you need in order for your course to succeed Lindsay's B.E.T.A. framework for course creation and how it can help you build your course faster than you ever thought possible Why your course is never really done How ironclad contracts can help you set boundaries and prevent burnout Trademark considerations when you're looking to rebrand The importance of marketing your course to your ideal student Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast94 for show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Lindsay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsaypadilla/ FREE 90-Minute Course Creation Masterclass: http://omg.lindsaympadilla.com/optin This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Collaborating with a guest expert for your online course is a great way to provide incredible value to your students. But mapping out (in writing!) things like who's doing what, and how the expert is compensated is crucial to preventing a guest expert collaboration from going south. In this episode you'll learn the important questions to ask when you're collaborating with a guest expert in your online course: What type of collaboration is this? - Is your guest expert contributing material for a single lesson, creating the course with you 50/50? Who's earning what? - Is your guest expert paid a percentage of sales, a flat fee, or something else? Or is your guest expert paying you in exchange for exposure? Who is paying the expenses? - Who pays the invoice from your graphic designer, videographer, etc.? Who is responsible for marketing? - Is your guest expert required to send emails to their list, do a FB live, etc. to promote your launch? What happens if it falls apart? Who owns the intellectual property? - Is your collaborator allowed to create a spin-off live event from the online course or is that not allowed? Do you need a nondisclosure agreement? - Are you lifting the curtain on your business's secret sauce? Key takeaway: Guest experts can make a great addition to your online course, but asking some key questions and agreeing to terms in writing can help you ensure the collaboration is a success. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast93 for show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/?ref=br_rs This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things, but not getting the results that were *supposed* to magically appear? Then you need to listen to this episode with Harvard-educated lawyer turned feminist mindset life coach Kara Lowentheil, who shares about her unconventional launch strategy, initially failing to succeed in business, and her experiences registering trademarks and hiring employees. In this episode you'll learn: The importance of learning even the bare minimum of the marketing strategies you want to use in your business, even if you plan to outsource it, and how this can save you money in the long run Why you should get crystal clear on your messaging before you invest big bucks in marketing How being willing to fail (and fail repeatedly!) can help you succeed Why registering your trademark right off the bat might not be the best idea What you must consider when you're ready to hire your first employee Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast92 for show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Kara's FREE 5-Day Confidence Challenge: www.unfuckyourbrain.com/challenge Unfuck Your Brain Podcast: https://unfuckyourbrain.com/podcasts/ The Clutch: https://unfuckyourbrain.com/theclutch The Life Coach School: https://thelifecoachschool.com/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

You're a busy entrepreneur, and you *probably* can't handle every single task it takes to create a successful online course. You'll likely need to enlist the help of graphic designers, copywriters, videographers, and more to complete your online course. But how do you make sure your working arrangement, and your content + brand!, are protected? In this episode you'll learn: Why you MUST use a contract with your independent contractor The most important thing you need to look for if you use your independent contractor's agreement instead of sending your own If you can include a non-compete clause in your independent contractor agreement The one term you definitely should include in your own independent contractor agreements Key takeaway: Working with independent contractors to create a successful online course can be a breeze if you take the time to consider the terms of your agreement with them. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/?ref=br_rs Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle: www.onlinecourselegal.com Individual contract templates: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Have you had issues with customers not fulfilling their payment plans? Gravy's Casey Graham talks about the value of personalized human interaction in an age where automation is the online business practice du jour. In this episode you'll learn: How being nice can make all the difference when you're working to resolve payment issues with your customers Why quick action is essential in the payment recovery process (80% of recovery happens in the first 7 days!) How to make sure your emails about payment issues actually get opened Why a "magic moment" within a week of purchasing will help you gain a loyal follower instead of just another disengaged purchaser The power of a cleaned out inbox What the 55 cent principle is, and how it can really up your customer service game (it's one of our favorite things we use with our own clients here at the AWB Firm!) BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Autumn's link to try out Gravy: www.sharegravy.com/autumn Payment Recovery Success Chart: Full Story screen capture: https://www.fullstory.com/ Casey's Instagram: @caseygraham This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, the AWB Firm will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. We have experience with these companies, and recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

If you sell an online course, digital product, or do business online, you may offer payment plans to your customers. But what do you do when the customer stops paying? In this episode you'll learn: If it's possible to totally avoid chargebacks (spoiler alert: it is, but only if you stop taking credit cards altogether) Some practical customer service tips to help you cut down on chargebacks Why including a clear refund policy in your terms of use will be your strongest evidence to fight an invalid chargeback claim The (potentially) tricky business of payment plans and what regulations you may need to comply with Tech & practical tips to make sure your customers follow through on a payment plan The important payment plan details you should definitely include in your terms of use Key takeaway: Between including clearly outlined terms in your contract and using a few practical & tech tips, you can make sure your payment plans don't become non-payment plans. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Legal Road Map® podcast episode 85: www.awbfirm.com/podcast85 Autumn's Gravy affiliate link: www.sharegravy.com/autumn Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, the AWB Firm will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. We have experience with these companies, and recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.

Corinne shares how legal has helped her grow her online weight loss community with confidence. She now uses an online course as the entry point for all new members to her community. In this episode you'll learn: The benefit of downloading everything you want to teach from your brain, all at once How courses and community can complement one another Why scaling back your offerings may actually be the best step to grow your business The benefit of designing your course with your least tech-savvy customer in mind How contracts elevate your business The importance of having strong advisors on your team BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Legal Road Map® podcast episode 34: www.awbfirm.com/podcast34 Corinne's Free course: www.pnp411.com Losing 100 Pounds podcast with Phit-n-Phat: http://pnptribepodcast.com/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

If you are providing an online course or digital products to students, members, or customers, you're bound to come across a few tricky situations sooner or later. But are you doing all you can on the front end to prevent these situations from the start? In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of clear payment language in your terms of use How tech tools can prevent your students from copying your course content Why including a dollar amount for damages in your terms of use can save you a lot of headaches if someone does copy your course content Important legal and practical tips for managing your online community Why including disclaimers in your terms of use could be essential, depending on the nature of your online course/program topic Why promising guaranteed results is tricky business Why you should keep your refund policy on the strict side in your terms Key takeaway: We all want to believe the best in people, but in business, it's next to impossible to completely dodge unpleasant situations. By taking a closer look at your terms of use, you can prevent or avoid a lot of them. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Your Enneagram Coach, Beth McCord, talks with Autumn about growing your business with online courses, certification programs, and more. In this episode, you'll learn: How understanding enneagram types can change the way you work with your team The importance of patience when you're growing your business Why investing in legal right out of the gate may not be the best move How one-on-one coaching, online courses, certification programs, and books can all live within one business BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Your Enneagram Coach - https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ Instagram: @yourinneagramcoach Free Enneagram assessment: https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Terms of Use, Terms of Service… whatever you call it, you might not think of it as a contract, but it is – and an important one at that! This week's solo episode is all about this critical contract between you and your customers, students, or clients. In this episode, you'll learn: Where your TOU must be linked on your website The 11 terms you should include in your TOU to protect you and your students Why including more strict terms in your TOU is always better, and how you can be gentler when difficult circumstances come up Why including a "refunds at our discretion" clause is a bad idea How your TOU can give you a way to resolve issues with someone stealing your intellectual property, without having to file a costly copyright or trademark lawsuit Key takeaway: Unlike your website's privacy policy, TOU are not required by law, but they are the legal foundation of your course business. Strong TOU will put you and your customers on the same page and will save you a lot of legal headaches. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Contract templates: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates AWB Firm Masterclass: www.awbfirm.com/course This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Go-to gal Jaclyn Mellone joins Autumn on the podcast to talk about the importance of contracts and her atypical path to running a successful online business. In this episode, you'll learn: Why new practices, without doing mindset work, won't get you the results you're after How using contracts in business shows trust rather than suspicion or doubt Why you need to look extra closely at your contracts with your vendors, especially your payment processor The value of meeting up in-person, even when you work online Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast84 for a transcript and show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Jaclyn Mellone: www.jaclynmellone.com Instagram handles: @jaclyn_mellone and @go.to.gal Member Vault: www.jaclynmellone.com/goodies Jaclyn's Free LIVE Class (May 8): www.jaclynmellone.com/class Go To Gal podcast: www.jaclynmellone.com/gotogalpodcast/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

If you're running an online business, it's highly likely that you're collecting some form of personal information from your website visitors. But do your visitors know what happens to their data once they've given it to you? In this episode, you'll learn: When you must have a privacy policy on your website What your privacy policy needs to include Extra steps you need to take if you're collecting information from children under 13 Where your privacy policy must be present on your site post-GDPR What GDPR penalties are being handed out, almost one year after the new rules went into effect Key takeaway: Whether your business must comply with GDPR or not (odds are it does!), the trend is that privacy regulations are becoming more stringent across the board. Taking simple steps to comply now can prevent you from having to implement an expensive fix down the road. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast83 for a transcript and show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: FREE download - Website Documents Guide: www.awbfirm.com/podcast81 Privacy policy + GDPR guide: www.awbfirm.com/podcast83 GDPR in-depth episodes of the Legal Road Map® podcast: www.awbfirm.com/podcast38, www.awbfirm.com/podcast39, www.awbfirm.com/podcast40 Running list of GDPR enforcement actions as of February 2019: http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/777680/Data+Protection+Privacy/GDPR+Enforcement This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Video marketing & YouTube expert Liz Germain joins the podcast in this episode to talk with Autumn about keeping integrity at the forefront of your business and some legal lessons learned. In this episode, you'll learn: How offering online courses can unlock your time as a business owner How to use online courses to prequalify potential 1:1 clients Why too much learning and attending too many conferences can be a bad thing Important lessons Liz learned about required FTC disclosures for sponsored content The downsides of using Paypal for payment processing, plus how your written refund policy can be your saving grace Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast82 for a transcript and show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: Liz Germain: www.lizdoesvideo.com Liz's Video Growth Course: https://videogrowthcourse.com/ Marketing School Podcast: https://marketingschool.io/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Your website is the front door to your amazing online course. But if you don't include the right legal documents on your site, it's like leaving your door wide open. In this episode, you'll learn: Which documents are required by law on your website and which are just a good idea Why disclaimers are essential for online businesses in the health and wellness field The ins and outs of FTC disclosures and when you must use them on your website The easy addition to your course materials or downloadables that could deter someone else from copying them (and help you enforce your rights if it does happen) Key takeaway: It's easy to get caught up in how your website looks and what it can do, but every online business owner must make sure the proper legal protections are in place to lay a smart legal foundation for your website, and business. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast81 for a transcript and show notes. BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com/course for instant access to our brand new, free masterclass, 3 Legal Protections Your Course Business is Probably Missing, and our legal checklist for course creators (plus you'll be the first to know when new episodes are live). Resources: FREE download - Website Documents Guide: www.awbfirm.com/podcast81 This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

If you're an online course creator, you may not even know what you need to worry about when it comes to legal for your business. In Season 4 Autumn is alternating solo episodes with interviews of some of the biggest names in the online course world, like Beth McCord, Chris Winfield, Corinne Crabtree, and more. Solo episodes will focus on legal issues for course creators, like: The policies and documents you need to have on your website, such as privacy policy, terms & conditions, disclaimers, and disclosures GDPR - the European Union law affecting personal data collection and privacy Using guest experts Working with affiliates And last but not least, copyright and trademark BONUS: Head over to www.awbfirm.com for instant access to the 10 Step Checklist we use with our million dollar clients, and make sure you've got the legal basics covered for your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Tara (Gentile) McMullin, author and the founder of the What Works Network, formerly CoCommercial, joins us this week to share how she pivoted her business model to help turn small business owners into tomorrow's economic powerhouses. Listen and learn: The less common motivation behind registering your trademark Why consulting your ideal customer can help you fine-tune your perfect product How a licensing program can broaden your reach How understanding the difference between an independent contractor and an employee can help make the hiring leap less scary KEY TAKEAWAY: When you "don't know what you don't know", legal can seem intimidating. But sometimes doing your due diligence and tackling something scary like legal can open doors to help you grow your business more effectively. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast79 for show notes and to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Being Boss® founders, Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson, share valuable insights about partnering with others in business and the ins and outs of publishing a book. Listen and learn: How essential a written Partnership or LLC Operating Agreement is when partnering with others Why self-publishing may not be the best route for your book How having a trusted tribe of bosses can be so valuable in navigating business decisions KEY TAKEAWAY: Legal may not always be necessary early on in business, but it is essential to avoid misunderstandings when you're partnering with others and start making real money. Working with a lawyer who knows your business can help you and your partner(s) reach your long term vision through short term goals. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast78 for show notes and get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Original Boss Mom®, Dana Malstaff, shares how protecting her brand was not only an early, key business strategy but also now provides her with peace of mind to reach her big goals. Listen and learn: How a registered trademark protects the meaning behind your business, not just its name How DIY'ing legal isn't always a good idea The pros and cons of DIY'ing legal for your business, and when it's time to level up and hire a lawyer Why having the right professionals on your team can make all the difference KEY TAKEAWAY: Working with a lawyer doesn't have to be an intimidating one-way street. Having the right legal support on your team can keep you from needlessly spending on non-strategized legal work. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

The Sales School and Authentic Selling founder shares about hiring a lawyer to create a custom contract for her online sales coaching business, and how her lawyer was able to talk her off a cliff during a difficult customer situation. Case Study Highlights: How the universe responds when you take your business seriously and set things up the right way How she knew it was time to work with a lawyer on a contract, but really appreciated Having a lawyer on her side later during a difficult customer situation Why you don't want to be on the wrong side of not having the right protection for your business — you're working too hard, spending too much time away from your family to lose it Why it's been important to work with professionals who understand online business The education process of figuring out the legal protections you need for your business Why she does not DIY legal for her fast-growing business KEY TAKEAWAY: Having a trusted legal advisor on your team will help you figure out what to do and get through situations that aren't so fun. Kendrick Shope is the creator of Authentic Selling® and expert who empowers women to make millions without sacrificing their integrity. Kendrick also hosts her own radio and podcast show host, is in development with 2 Market Media on her own reality show and is finalizing a deal on her first book, "Sell Like A Woman." Today, Kendrick runs an online Sales School where she teaches women how to create massive success using Authentic Selling®. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

When should you run (not walk) to submit your trademark registration application? Learn when waiting to register a trademark can be a huge mistake. In this week's episode you'll learn: How the level of investment behind your business or product can determine whether a registered trademark is a necessity How long it takes to receive a trademark registration certificate from the USPTO The advantages of "intent to use" applications in US trademark law When you can use the ® and TM symbols How a registered trademark can make your licensing or certification program more valuable to your licensees Why a registered trademark can make your business more attractive to potential buyers When a registered trademark in the US can help you obtain a foreign trademark if you plan to sell products or services internationally Key takeaway: If your business is up-leveling in a major way, a trademark registration becomes a necessity, not a nice-to-have. Since the registration process is not quick, working with a trusted legal advisor who specializes in trademark law can help you plan ahead. Visit https://awbfirm.com/vimeo-video/podcast75/ for the video version and www.awbfirm.com/podcast75 for the audio version of this podcast episode. While you're there, sign up for a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This is the final episode of Season 3.Don't worry, Season 4 will launch on April 1, 2019 with loads of valuable information for online course creators and new interviews with top online course business owners. In the meantime, we'll be releasing interviews from the archives you may have missed the first time around. Stay tuned! Resources Legal Road Map® episode 68: www.awbfirm.com/podcast68 Legal Road Map ® episode 71: www.awbfirm.com/podcast71 Legal Road Map ® episode 31: www.awbfirm.com/podcast31 Legal Road Map ® episode 32: www.awbfirm.com/podcast32 Legal Road Map ® episode 33: www.awbfirm.com/podcast33 This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Finding out someone else has registered a trademark you're using in your business can really sting. But so long as you started using it first, not all is lost. In this week's episode you'll learn: What winning the race means when it comes to trademarks and defending your rights What the "opposition period" is and why it is crucial to monitor the USPTO Gazette if you're relying on common law trademark rights How a cease and desist letter may stop a similar trademark application in its tracks When the USPTO will actually deny a trademark application for a similar trademark without you lifting a finger How challenging a trademark that's the same as or similar to yours after a certificate has been granted can be more difficult, but not impossible Why, in order to defend your trademark rights, you have to actually be using your trademark Key takeaway: Challenging an application for a trademark that's the same or similar as yours is not an area of legal you want to DIY. Consulting with a trusted legal advisor who specializes in trademark law is the best way to defend your trademark rights and prevent brand or product confusion. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). Next week is the final episode of Season 3 of the Legal Road Map® podcast, all about when you must register a trademark. I'm so excited to bring Season 4 to you - it's all about legal for course creators - so be sure to stay tuned! Additional Resources: Get your ALL ACCESS PASS for the Online Course Success Summit, classes will be live Feb. 11-22: http://awbfirm.com/ocss/ USPTO Official Gazette, published weekly: https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/official-gazette/trademark-official-gazette-tmog This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Hashtags are everywhere these days. It may seem appealing to register one that you use in your business as a trademark, but is it even possible? In this week's episode you'll learn: How to figure out if you're really using a hashtag as a trademark Why using your hashtag outside of social media may help you protect it as a trademark The downsides to registering your trademark with a hashtag instead of just the words Why a registered trademark hashtag is really difficult to enforce Key takeaway: It takes some special circumstances to make the time and effort needed to register a hashtag as a trademark worth it. Consulting with a trusted legal advisor ahead of time can help you determine if you're ready to take on the task or not. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast73 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). Resources: Get your free ticket NOW for the Online Course Success Summit, classes will be live Feb. 11-22: http://awbfirm.com/ocss/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Did you know that a federally registered trademark isn't the only form of trademark protection available? There are actually three levels of protection in the U.S. trademark system -- common law, state law registration, and federal (USPTO) registration. While common law or state trademarks may work for some businesses, there are some significant downsides to each. In this week's episode you'll learn: What a common law trademark is, and the limited rights this type of trademark provides The drawbacks to relying solely on a common law trademark Which types of trademark you can use the ® and ™ symbols The benefits to filing a federal trademark registration The protections provided by a state trademark registration The downsides of relying solely on a state trademark registration Key takeaway: There are a few different levels of trademark protection offered on the state and federal level, as well on a common law basis. Which one is best for your business depends on multiple factors. It's a good idea to consult with a trusted legal advisor to make sure you're protected in the right ways and places for your business. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). Resources Get your free ticket NOW for the Online Course Success Summit: http://awbfirm.com/ocss/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.